Bert wearing an orange beanie and green shirt

A LIFELONG

Mission

Bert, The Designer of Things, is a multi-disciplined graphic designer and architectural artist. 

On a mission to illustrate all working lighthouses around the Irish coast I've 86 Irish lighthouses in the collection so far.

There is such a beauty to these towers, and how they stand over the ocean. I am gobsmacked by how these structures were created 150 to 200 years ago. How and where they were built is justutterly fascinating. I'm especially drawn to any of the lighthouses that were built on rocky islands in these crazily remote locations

Considering the time they were built in and the tools available at the time, not to mention the sheer scale of it when you are near them it is awe-inspiring.
Detail of an illustration of Odlums log attached to the Flour Mill in Cork City. Part of our unique framed Odd Cuts collection

What's the

Inspiration

Being from Belgium originally, I'm a lifelong fan of especially European comics and particularly inspired by the likes of Hergé (TinTin). Known for his detailed but clear and simplified drawing style (ligne claire), it's a technique that has fascinated me ever since. I still love discovering new comic artists and nowadays I'm a big fan of Chris Ware.

Architecture in general has a big influence on how I work and what my drawings will look like. Having dabbled with architectural studies in college I'm very much a 20th century person. Art noveau, Bauhaus, a bit of 60's brutalism, it all has its place for me and inspires me daily.
Illustration of a lighthouse with a blue background

It's all in

The future

What happens once I’ve illustrated all the Irish lighthouses? No need to worry — I can barely keep up with my ideas and plans!

I’ve already translated some of the lighthouses into puzzles, mugs, and games, and the response has been wonderful, inspiring plenty more projects to take shape.

Beyond Ireland, there are so many European coastlines to explore. I’m excited by the thought of capturing iconic lighthouses across the UK, France, and other coastal corners of Europe, and sharing these maritime treasures with lighthouse lovers everywhere.